A look at some of the dangerous jobs women can do now, and what will be open to them if they meet the qualifications:

Pilots

In 1991, Congress ended a ban on women flying combat aircraft, and three years later the Air Force had its first woman commanding a fighter squadron. Women may fly every aircraft in the Air Force inventory, including bombers. Just last year, Col. Jeannie Flynn Leavitt became the Air Force's first female wing commander, commanding 5,000 airmen. Women also fly combat aircraft in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

The only Air Force jobs closed to women until now were special operations roles like enlisted pararescue and combat control officer. These jobs were opened Thursday by Panetta's order. As with all combat jobs, the military chiefs have until January 2016 to seek exemptions to bar women from certain jobs.

Subs

The Navy in April 2010 opened submarine service to women, but only aboard the larger ballistic missile and guided-missile subs, where berthing is less of a privacy problem than on attack subs. On Thursday the Navy announced it is extending that to include attack subs; female officers will begin reporting for assignment on those subs in 2015. The Navy has kept female Sailors off of frigates, patrol coastal craft and mine countermeasure ships until now.

Marines

The decision announced Thursday to stop excluding women from ground combat roles means that about 35,000 Marine infantry slots would be opened to women, as long as they can meet the qualifications. Women already may serve in a variety of combat-related jobs in the Corps, including weapons repair officer. But they have been excluded from others like field artillery, forward air controller and combat engineer.

Soldiers

The Army has kept female officers out of many ground combat roles, including armor, infantry and special forces. For example, enlisted women could not be a cavalry scout or a fire support specialist, a position that is primarily responsible for the intelligence activities of the Army's field artillery teams. But they have been allowed to serve as a field artillery radar operator or a supervisor of Patriot air defense units.

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society.

The Women’s Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Military Chiefs of Chaplains is pleased to announce the formal opening of “Celebrating 40 Years of Women Chaplains: A Courageous Journey of Faith and Service”, a new special exhibit at the Women’s Memorial. The opening, which is set for 10:00 a.m., July 4, 2013, is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception of light fare.

Those wishing to attend may RSVP by February 25 online (click here to access the online reservation form) or call 703-533-1155. RSVPs are requested to assure adequate seating and refreshments for all who attend. For more information about the event, please contact Chaplain (Maj.) Robin Stephenson-Bratcher by calling 202-767-5900 or e-mailing robin.stephensonbrat@navy.mil.

“Celebrating 40 Years of Women Chaplains” tells the story of the scores of women, beginning in 1973, who answered God’s call to minister to the nation’s military members and their families in times of war and peace. With images, artifacts and personal stories of spiritual and military life, the exhibition offers a glimpse into this amazing legacy of women’s service and commitment to God and country.

The exhibit has been made possible by the generous contributions of women chaplains as well as the support of the Army, Navy and Air Force Chaplain Corps and the Women’s Memorial. Join the Chaplain Corps in kicking off this 40th anniversary year of women in military chaplaincy.

Event attire is UOD business attire and Service Dress for participants. A 40th Anniversary Commemorative Coin will be available on site for a $5 donation (cash or check only).

A group lodging reservation has been made at Joint Base Andrews for eligible out-of-town guests.

Those wishing to make lodging reservations should call DSN: 858-4614 or Commercial: 301-981-4614, and refer to reservation code #20140096742. All guests are responsible for making/paying for their own lodging arrangements. The Women In Military Service For America Memorial is located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery. The Memorial is accessible by METRO Blue line and parking is available in the cemetery visitor lot for a nominal fee. (January 2013)

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COUNTDOWN CONTEST

New contest, Homefront Heroines: The WAVES of World War II fans! It's the countdown to our announcement 7/10 about our world premiere.

So we're "teasing" you with trivia about the location of our world premiere. Guess the right city and you'll be entered in a drawing for a CD from MilitaryMusic.com.

Today's hint: During World War II, two bases were stationed in the region, training fighter pilots. Post your answer in the comments. The winner will be announced Friday, July 12, 2013!